TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) has suspended former Straits Exchange Foundation Chairman Cheng Wen-tsan (鄭文燦) for three years, following a ruling by the Taoyuan District Court (桃園地方法院) on Thursday (July 11). The court ordered Cheng's detention, prompting the DPP's integrity committee to take immediate action.
Chiou Jiunn-yann (邱駿彥), chair of the party's integrity committee, stated that the suspension begins on Friday. The court initially set Cheng's bail at NT$12 million, but the Taiwan High Court (台灣高等法院) twice remanded the case for further review after prosecutors appealed.
Once considered a political star within the DPP and a strong contender for the 2026 election, Cheng now faces significant hurdles. Party insiders believe his detention effectively ends his chances for the 2026 race.
The committee has initiated proceedings against Cheng for violating party ethics. If Cheng is found guilty in the first trial, the DPP may expel him from the party. However, if acquitted, the committee will revoke the three-year suspension.
